Assembly for Retrofitting Watercraft and Method

ABSTRACT

An assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft is presented, which includes an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel and at least one console. The console defines at least one chamber extending through the panel and an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening. The panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening. The console of the assembly is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device. Also presented is a watercraft having integral thereto the assembly, and a method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device such as a trolling motor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/952,384 filed Dec. 7, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to assemblies and methods for retrofitting watercraft to permit operation in shallow water.

2. Description of Related Art

Operating a watercraft in shallow water while fishing can prove difficult. Any conventional attachment of a boat motor can cause problems such as having the watercraft or boat become unbalanced so that tipping occurs with the result that the watercraft takes on water or even swamps.

A need exists for an assembly which is capable of being retrofitted into an existing watercraft hull, which assembly allows a stable environment for attachment of a propulsion device such as a trolling motor. In the alternative, a need exists for a watercraft having, integral thereto, such an assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention meets these and other needs by providing among other things, an assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft, which assembly comprises: an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel; and at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening. The panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening.

Preferably, the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the console from the other fin of the pair of fins.

An embodiment of this invention provides an assembly wherein the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console, when the assembly is attached to the hull at the hull opening. The propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.

In another embodiment of the invention side portions of the console at the lower chamber opening of the console are configured to be cambered, and the console is configured to comprise sloping side regions. Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention, the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.

The console comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device. By adjustable transom, it is meant that the transom formed by the L-shaped hinged member is configured to move out of the way to accommodate insertion of larger-sized propulsion devices though the chamber and then move back into a locked position for conventional attachment of the propulsion device.

The hinged member and the console side are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.

In another embodiment of the invention, a watercraft is provided comprising: a hull which defines, on its underside, a longitudinal channel; and at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the hull, the console being attached to or integral with the hull and defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening.

Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a watercraft comprising one or more pairs of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the console from the other fin of the pair of fins.

The watercraft further provides that the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console. The propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.

Another embodiment of the invention provides that side portions of the console, at the lower chamber opening of the console, are configured to be cambered and wherein the console is configured to comprise sloping side regions.

A watercraft is provided wherein the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.

A watercraft is also provided in another embodiment of this invention wherein the console comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device. The hinged member and the console are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device extending through a hull of the water craft, which method comprises: creating an opening through the hull of the watercraft; attaching to the hull, at the opening, an assembly comprising (I) an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel, and (II) at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and sealing the panel to the hull.

An embodiment of the invention additionally comprises detachably attaching the propulsion device to a side of the console at the upper chamber opening of the console such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console and configuring the assembly such that the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the console from the other fin of the pair of fins.

In another embodiment of the invention the method includes configuring the assembly such that the console comprises an L-shaped, hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console. The hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of the propulsion device.

These and other embodiments and features of this invention will be still further apparent from the ensuing description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view in perspective of an assembly of the invention as attached to a retrofitted watercraft hull.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area of attachment between an assembly of the invention and the watercraft hull.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the assembly is either attached to or integral to a watercraft.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view, taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view, taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view in perspective of the console and L-shaped hinged member in an open position.

FIG. 10 is another enlarged view in perspective of the console and L-shaped hinged member.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view in perspective of the console and L-shaped hinged member in closed position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention depicting a dual chamber design.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a detail view of an alternative embodiment of the console.

FIG. 21 is a detail view of the power connection for the motor.

In each of the above figures, like numerals are used to refer to like or functionally like parts among the several figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will now be appreciated that the present invention provides an assembly which is sized and configured to be retrofitted into an opening cut into the underside of the hull of a watercraft. The assembly provides at least one location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device so that the watercraft can be rendered more stable in the water when using a propulsion device in a conventional manner, i.e., when a motor is attached at an end of a watercraft.

While the assembly is configured to be detachably attached to a retrofitted watercraft, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the features of the assembly are provided integral to the hull of the watercraft.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of this invention. There, an assembly 12 is shown to include an elongated panel 16, a longitudinal channel 18 (best seen in FIG. 6) and two consoles 20,20. Each console 20 defines at least one chamber 22 extending through panel 16. Console 20 also defines an upper chamber opening 24 and a lower chamber opening 26 (best seen in FIG. 4).

FIG. 2 shows an opening 28 in the hull 14 of a watercraft 10 which has been sized and configured to receive assembly 12. When assembly 12 is securely seated in hull opening 28, a water-tight seal is formed by application of an adhesive sealant compound such as RTV silicone, available from Master Bond, Inc., Hackensack, N.J., although any other water-proof adhesive and sealant can be applied. The silicone sealant is used in addition to brads, rivets, bolts or welds to provide structural integrity to the joint between the assembly 12 and hull 14.

As may be seen in FIG. 3, panel 16 is configured to have a flanged end region which interlocks with a cooperative flanged end region of hull 14 where the opening in the hull was provided. A layer 68 of adhesive sealant compound is placed between the proximate surfaces of the two flanged areas. In addition a brad 66 is shown to be installed through all layers of hull, adhesive sealant compound layer and panel to further reinforce attachment of panel 16 to hull 14. A suitable number of brads, rivets, bolts or welds can be provided depending on the construction material of the hull and panel, though a preferred spacing is to provide a brad at approximately every 1.5 to 2 inches along the seam or joint of the hull and panel.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a fin cavity 70 defined by fin 30. Fin cavity 70 can be filled with ballast such as lead weights, should the watercraft require extra stability. Some or all fins can be configured to define such cavities.

As may be seen in FIG. 4, panel 16 comprises two pairs of fins 30,30 aligned longitudinally and proximate to lower chamber opening 26. Each pair of fins 30,30 is disposed so that fin 30A of the pair is disposed at an opposite side of lower chamber opening 26 from fin 30B. Longitudinal channel 18 is configured to taper at a first end region 40 and at a second end region 42. As the channel tapers, it gradually becomes less deep, so as to give the channel a streamlined configuration which directs water along the length of the channel in a smooth flow with less friction and drag.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the invention which includes brace or thwart 52 and seats 56,56. One or more seats 56 are configured to have an after-market boat seat (not shown) attached at apertures 58,58. Several apertures are provided so that the location of the after-market boat seat can be customized for comfort of the user.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in cross-section, aspects of one embodiment of the invention where propulsion device 32 is shown attached to console 20 with propeller 34 extending into operative position. As depicted, propulsion device 32 is a trolling motor powered by a 12 volt sealed gel battery 54 which is stored in battery compartment 64 under seat 56.

Among other novel and non-obvious features of assembly 12, which may be seen at least in FIGS. 6 and 7, longitudinal channel 18 and fins 30,30 serve to direct the flow of water against the bottom of propulsion device 32 and propeller 34 so that propulsion device 32 (shown as an electric trolling motor) performs efficiently even in shallow water conditions. In addition, having side portions 36 of console 20 to be cambered increases ease of installation and attachment of propulsion device 32. A surprising result of this combination of features in assembly 12 is that water does not tend to be thrown into the inside of watercraft 10 through upper chamber opening 24 when the watercraft is underway. Sloping side regions 38,38 of console 20 are also configured to prevent undesired water from entering the inside of watercraft 10 through chamber 22.

There are a plurality of consoles 20,20 (shown in the figures as two consoles) which can provide alternative or simultaneous locations for detachable attachment of one or more propulsion devices. While it is contemplated that a “30-pound thrust” motor easily and quickly attaches to the assembly as a propulsion device, both 50-pound and 70-pound thrust motors can be used. In addition, as dictated by water conditions, a combustion engine can be used as a propulsion device.

FIG. 7 provides illustration of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention, watercraft 10, having hull 14, sloping side regions 38,38 of console 20 and cambered side portions 36,36 of console 20. Fins 30,30 are shown disposed on opposite sides of lower chamber opening 26.

A side view of watercraft 10 can be seen in FIG. 8 with channel 18 set out in phantom line. Propulsion device 32 is conventionally attached to adjustable transom 48.

FIG. 9 provides and enlarged view of console 20 and L-shaped hinged member 44, attached to console 20 at hinge 50 and in an open position. The configuration of console 20 and L-shaped hinged member 44 provides a way to make upper chamber opening 24 larger in order to facilitate installation and attachment of a variety of propulsion devices of differing dimensions. Latch 72, shown here to be a loop strap latch, is provided to hold L-shaped hinged member 44 closed after the propulsion device (not shown) has been lowered into chamber 22. While not shown, a preferred embodiment provides a latch on opposite sides of L-shaped hinged member 44. It is to be understood that any means for securing the L-shaped hinged member in a closed position against the console can be use, such as, but not limited to, hook and eye, twist T-bolt latch, barrel bolt latch, loop snap latch, and draw loop latch, which may be adapted to use with a padlock. Materials of construction of the latch can be, but are not limited to, aluminum or other metal or metal alloys as well as a strong plastic composite.

FIG. 10 depicts a gasket channel 76 defined by console 20 which can be filled with gasket material 74 (best seen in FIG. 9). Use of a gasket material makes a seal between the L-shaped hinged member and the channel housing water-tight when latch 72 is closed.

Referring to FIG. 11, optionally, a battery 54 can be configured to be re-charged or continuously charged by electrical attachment of the battery to one or more solar panels 60 located on a seat or on a removable accessory, such as a portable cooler lid 62. Such solar panels provide an energy source for the battery.

FIG. 12 shows L-shaped member 44 in a closed, locked position using latch 72.

FIG. 13 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention having a single console 20 with a modified design. Specifically, the modified console 20 is formed such that the lower chamber opening 26 defines a motor enclosure 81 sized and configured to permit unobstructed rotation of a propulsion device, such as the propeller component of a trolling motor 32. The motor enclosure 81 is preferably cylindrical in shape and volume, and is in fluidic communication with the longitudinal channel 18, such that propulsion of water inside of the motor enclosure 81 may be directed along the longitudinal channel 18 when steered in forward or reverse motions. Importantly, the height of the cylindrical motor enclosure 81 should be such that the propeller axis can be raised or lowered to be approximately parallel to the panel 16, i.e. the bottom of the watercraft. When that relationship is achieved, it is believed to offer the optimum balance between effective thrust level, low drag on the motor 32, and clearance from underwater vegetation and debris. Under these conditions, the presence of the longitudinal channel 18 and side channels 82 (described below) is particularly advantageous, because such features permit the exhausting of propelled water from the motor enclosure 81 without having to position the propeller entirely below the hull.

Also extending from the motor enclosure 81 are at least two side channels 82, seen best in FIGS. 15 and 16, formed into the panel for directing water away from the longitudinal channel 18. The side channels 82 are particularly advantageous when steering the motor 32 away from direct forward or reverse motions, such that water propelled from the motor 32 can be more easily dispersed along the side channels 82. The directional orientation of the side channels 82 is not especially important, although for the most common steering orientations, it is preferred that such side channels 82 be formed roughly 30-45 degrees from the axis of the longitudinal channel 18.

The alternative embodiment of FIG. 13 further discloses the addition of spud tubes 83, which are cylindrical tubes extending from the panel 16 and rising to a height below the gunwales of the watercraft. The spud tubes 83 are preferably reinforced by webbing or trusses against the sides of the watercraft to prevent bending or separation from the hull. When it is desired to anchor the watercraft, a push pole or other long rigid member may be inserted through the spud tubes 83 and into the mud.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view of this alternative embodiment, while FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the embodiment. Preferably, the bottom surface of the panel 16 includes a textured surface 84, such as small bumps or other slightly raised formations approximately 1/16 of an inch in height. Such textured surface 84 allows the bottom surface of the hull to glide smoothly through the water, yet also prevent undesirable suction between the water and an otherwise smooth surface.

FIG. 17-19 depict further alternative embodiments of the invention employing a dual console 20 design. It should be understood that such dual console embodiments may include any or all of the aforementioned features of the invention with equally advantageous results.

Finally, FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate detail views of the console 20 wherein a power receptacle 85 is formed on the console 20 for receiving a power plug from the electric motor 32. Preferably, an electrical cord 86 extends from the power receptacle 85 to the battery 54, and the electrical cord 86 is molded into the console 20 and the panel 16, thus preventing the cord 86 from becoming inadvertently detached or creating a safety hazard.

Preferred dimensions for certain elements of embodiments of this invention include a lower chamber opening which measures in the range of about 11.5 to about 15 inches in length and in the range of about 6 to about 6.5 inches in width. The console 20 measures in the range of about 11.5 to about 12 inches in height, although sizes outside of this range may be equally suitable depending on the needs of the user. While the embodiments of the invention depicted in the several figures include consoles which do not extend upward above the upper plane of the gunwales of the watercraft, it is also provided that the console can extend above the top plane of the gunwales.

It should also be noted that most electric trolling motors 32 include factory-installed vertical shafts which are about thirty inches (30″) in length. Therefore, it is preferable to disassemble the motor 32 and reduce the length of the vertical shaft to a length that permits the steering arm to reside close to the top of the console 20. Shortening the shaft in this manner is not required to practice the invention, but may be desirable in many instances.

While various-sized watercraft are encompassed by the scope of this invention, watercraft in a size range (in length) of from about 12 feet to about 16 feed are particularly capable of either being retrofitted or manufactured to include the features of these inventions.

Such watercraft can be constructed of materials such as, but not limited to, rigid plastic, polyethylene plastic, Royalex® thermoplastics, fiberglass, wood, metals such as aluminum, and composite plastics.

Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

This invention is susceptible to considerable variation within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. An assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft, which assembly comprises: an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel; and at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening, wherein the panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower chamber opening defines a motor enclosure sized and configured to permit unobstructed rotation of a propulsion device, and wherein the motor enclosure is in fluidic communication with the longitudinal channel.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, further including at least two side channels formed into the panel and extending from the motor enclosure for directing water away from the longitudinal channel.
 4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the motor enclosure is a cylindrical enclosure.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further including at least two side channels formed into the panel and extending from the lower chamber opening for directing water away from the longitudinal channel.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
 8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the propulsion device is an electric motor, and further including a power receptacle formed on the console for receiving a power plug from the electric motor.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein an electrical cord extends from the power receptacle to a battery, and the electrical cord is molded into the panel.
 10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the propulsion device is an electric motor powered by a battery, and wherein the battery is configured to be re-charged or continuously charged by electrical attachment of the battery to one or more solar panels.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
 12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the console includes an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can rotate away from the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms a transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the hinged member and the console side are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
 14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel further includes one or more spud tubes for receiving an anchoring member.
 15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a textured bottom surface.
 16. A watercraft comprising: a hull which defines, on its underside, a longitudinal channel; and at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the hull, the console being attached to or integral with the hull and defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and wherein the lower chamber opening defines a motor enclosure sized and configured to permit unobstructed rotation of a propulsion device, and wherein the motor enclosure is in fluidic communication with the longitudinal channel.
 17. The watercraft of claim 16, further including at least two side channels formed into the hull and extending from the motor enclosure for directing water away from the longitudinal channel.
 18. The watercraft of claim 17, wherein the motor enclosure is a cylindrical enclosure.
 19. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the console is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the console.
 20. The watercraft of claim 19, wherein the propulsion device is an electric motor, and further including a power receptacle formed on the console for receiving a power plug from the electric motor.
 21. The watercraft of claim 20, wherein an electrical cord extends from the power receptacle to a battery, and the electrical cord is molded into the hull.
 22. The watercraft of claim 19, wherein the propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
 23. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the longitudinal channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
 24. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the hull further includes one or more spud tubes for receiving an anchoring member.
 25. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the hull includes a textured bottom surface.
 26. The watercraft of claim 16, wherein the console comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the console adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the console, such that the hinged member can rotate away from the console to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the console, and which hinged member forms a transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device.
 27. The watercraft of claim 26, wherein the hinged member and the console are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
 28. A method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device extending through a hull of the watercraft, which method comprises: creating an opening through the hull of the watercraft; attaching to the hull, at the opening, an assembly comprising (I) an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel, and (II) at least one console which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the console defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and sealing the panel to the hull.
 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising: detachably attaching the propulsion device to a side of the console at the upper chamber opening of the console such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the lower chamber opening of the console.
 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising: configuring the assembly such that the lower chamber opening defines a motor enclosure sized and configured to permit unobstructed rotation of a propulsion device, and wherein the motor enclosure is in fluidic communication with the longitudinal channel. 